The Government of Ghana has disbursed GH¢139.33 million under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to support 350,580 vulnerable households across the country, benefiting an estimated 1.5 million people.
The announcement was made in Accra by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, during a press conference.
Dr. Lartey explained that the disbursement forms part of the 96th cycle of LEAP cash grant payments, which provide regular financial support to extremely poor and vulnerable households to help cushion them against economic hardship.
She disclosed that the 2025 national budget significantly increased funding for the LEAP programme, allowing government to expand coverage and strengthen the programme’s impact.
According to the 2025 Budget Statement, LEAP allocation rose from approximately GH¢728.8 million in 2024 to GH¢953.5 million this year.
The Gender Minister noted that the enhanced budget will enable the programme to reach more beneficiaries, with government targeting an expansion to about 400,000 households in subsequent payment cycles.
LEAP beneficiaries include households with orphans and vulnerable children, elderly persons aged 65 years and above without caregivers, persons with severe disabilities who are unable to work, and extremely poor pregnant and lactating women with infants.
Implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the LEAP programme provides cash transfers to help improve living conditions, support basic needs such as nutrition, health and education, and promote investment in small income-generating activities.
Dr. Lartey said the increased funding reflects government’s commitment to deepening social protection systems, reducing inequality, and improving the welfare of Ghana’s most vulnerable populations.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Matilda Sena Adzatoh
